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Thursday, June 2, 2016

PRO Rugby Power Rankings: Top Of The Table Clash Looms

Last week was an interesting set of matches for PRO Rugby. The league leaders had the weekend off, San Diego picked up a vital win, and San Francisco won for the first time on the year over a team that had beaten them by a big margin a few weeks back. However, even with all that there aren't changes in our power rankings.

1. Denver (5-0-0; LW: 1; Bye): Denver had last weekend off and were able to watch all the craziness below them. In their last outing they were almost beaten by an improving San Francisco team so the warning signs are there. They face a very big match against San Diego this weekend. Whoever wins this one is going to have an advantage heading into the second half of the year. Up next: at San Diego

Take the jump to read more.2. San Diego (4-1-0; LW: 2; beat Sacramento 44-23): San Diego left it to the second half once again but they picked up yet another win. They, along with Denver, have now separated themselves at the top of the table. They have a real chance of finishing first, especially as their forwards are improving. Up next: Denver

3. Ohio (3-3-0; LW: 3; lost to San Francisco 35-20): One week Ohio beat their opponent and score 50 points in the process and then the next week they drop a result against a team they had crushed a few weeks earlier. It's probably fitting that they are 3-3 on the season. San Francisco were due a win at some point but Ohio had far too many errors. After their bye week they face a crucial point in their season. Up next: Bye

4. San Francisco (1-5-0; LW: 4; beat Ohio 35-20): Given how they have improved so far this year it was just a matter of time before San Francisco won. It seems like the introduction Mils Muliaina may have helped to put them over the top. Their forward pack is the real reason for their improvement as well as their back line defense. Up next: Bye

5. Sacramento (1-5-0; LW: 5; lost to San Diego 44-23): Sacramento may be the most frustrating team in the competition. They do many things well but it's the repeated small errors that continually rob them of wins. That happened once again against San Diego and unless they can figure out how to improve there are going to be even more of those this year. Up next: Bye